Convertible boat hull



NOV 4, 1969 D. s. CODMAN, JR

CONVERTIBLE BOAT HULL 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed May 9, 1968 km2 N.

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Nov. 4, 1969 Filed May 9. 1968 D. s. coDMAN, JR 3,475,773

CONVERTIBLE BOAT HULL 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 4, 1969 Y,

Filed May 9, 1968 s sheets-sheet eo 59 52 5 85 52 5&9/ 52l 52 lO/J United States Patent O 3,475,773 CONVERTIBLE BOAT HULL Daniel S. Codman, Jr., Utica, N.Y. (132 North St., Apt. 3, Newtonville, Mass.

Filed May 9, 1968, Ser. No. 727,909 Int. Cl. B63b 29/00 U.S. Cl. 9-1

6 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to small boat construction, and has particular reference to a novel boat hull construction whereby an open runabout type boat can be quickly and easily converted into a cabin cruiser.

Constructions have heretofore been developed for converting open motorboats into cruising type boats with sleeping accommodations. One such development known to the applicant is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,325,836, issued June 20, 1967 to E. Lankford, Ir. The `Lankford construction elfects the conversion .by mounting a detachable top enclosure on the deck of an open motorboat, the top enclosure having sides which fold down toA become beds. A problem with the Lankford construction is that the detachable top enclosure vor superstructure is relatively cumbersome and probably would require two or more people to attach and detach. Also, with this detachable top structure there is the problem of what to do with it when not in use, or when trailing the boat behind a car. Additionally, since the top enclosure must necessarily raise the center of gravity of the boat, there could be a stability problem in rough water or heavy winds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the present invention, everything that is required to convert the open motorboat into a cruiser with sleeping accommodations is contained within therhull of the boat. As a result of the conversion, four bunks are provided, two of the bunks .being formed from seatsin the boat and the other two vbeing rotated out ofrecesses in the sidewalls of the boat hull in which recesses they normally are stored. The recess stored bunksand boat hull also carry foldable bow members which can be erected to support a protective cover for the bunks and the boat cockpit. v E l With the hull construction of the invention, the conversion can be easily and' quickly accomplished by one person. Since everything used in` the conversion is contained within the boat hull, a' separate top structure is not required and the problems of attaching, detaching and storing same are eliminated. Moreover, the center of gravity of vthe boat remains substantially the same so that the possibility of a safety problem is not introduced.

'BRIEF' DESCRIPTION oF THE DRAWING FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a boat embodying the invention with the bunks on the port side set up for 'FIGURE 2 is a vertical -longitudinal sectionthrough 3,475,773 Patented Nov. 4, 1969 ice the boat taken substantially on line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 but without the bunk beds being set up;

FIGURE 3 is a reduced side elevation of the boat as converted to provide sleeping accommodations;

FIGURE 4 is a vertical transverse section through the boat taken substantially on line 4--4 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary sectional view correspondying to the right side of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is an elevational view of a bunk panel and cover supporting bow, looking substantially in the direction of arrows 6-6 in FIGURE 4;

FIGURES 7 and 8 are fragmentary sectional views corresponding to FIGURE 5, but showing a modified form of bunk storage and operation; and

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary end elevation of a bunk panel showing the means for connecting the panel to the boat hull.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Reference is now made to FIGURES l (starboard side) and 2 of the drawings which show the boat in its unconverted form, i.e., as an open motorboat or runabout. In this form, the boat has a generally conventional appearance and is adapted for use as a water ski towboat, for fishing or just riding about. The boat hull is'generally indicated by the reference number 10, and in the embodiment shown would have an over-all length of around 17 feet.

The boat has a main cockpit 11 and a forward cockpit 12 separated by a wall or bulkhead 14. To the rear of the main cockpit there is a storage well 15 for the cockpit cover and behind that a well 16 for receiving the powerhead of an outboard motor (not shown), the latter being mounted on the transom 17 of the boat. Alternatively the boat can be equipped with an inboard-outboard type motor.

The forward cockpit 12 is self-hailing, i.e., its oor or deck 20 is above the waterline (indicated at 21 in FIGURE 2) and is provided with drain holes 22 which communicate with the exterior of the hull. On either side of the cockpit well 12 are storage lockers, the hatches or covers 18 of which are located close to the deck level. Above the wall 14 between the forward and main cockpits is a windshield comprising a transverse section 24 and two longitudinally extending wing sections 25. To permit access to the forward cockpit from the main cockpit, the transverse portion of the windshield is formed with three panels with the center panel 24' being hinged at one side 26 to permit it to be swung out of itsv normal plane in the direction of the arrow 27.

Below the openable windshield panel 24' there is a passageway 28 through the wall 14, which passageway can be closed by doors 29. As shown in FIGURE 2, the passageway does not extend down to the level of the deck 20 whereby a portion of the wall 14 is left between the cockpits to prevent water received in the forward cockpit from flowing back into the main cockpit 11. The area 30 of the hull beneath the forward cockpit is preferably utilized as a buoyancy tank.

The deck of the main cockpit is stepped with the forward portion 31 though being a little lower than the rear portion 31'. A pair of transversely spaced, forwardly facing seats 32 occupy the forward portion of the cockpit with the drivers seat being on the starboard side behind the steering wheel 34. Behind the seats 32, in back t0 back relation therewith, is a pair of rearwardly facing seats 35 and at the rear of the cockpit-spaced as shown from seats 35-is another pair of forwardly facing seats 36. Storage lockers are provided beneath the seats 35 as `indicated at 37 in FIGURES 2 and 4, there being addi- 3 tional stowage space to the rear of and beneath seats 36 as shown at 40 in FIGURE 2.

In accord with the invention, two of the supports which are made up into bunk beds are normally contained within and form a part of the hull 10. Thus, as best shown in FIGURES 3, 4 and 5, each hull sidewall is formed with a substantially rectangular shallow recess 41 in which a bunk panel 42 is stowed. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the hull has a molded Fiberglas construction and the panels are unitary molded plastic members.

Each bunk panel 42 is connected to the hull by a pair of pivot pins or stub shafts 44 which project from the end walls of its recess into grooves 45 formed in the end of the panel, see FIGURES 1 and 9. The pivot pins are located near the top edges of the recesses, FIGURE 5, and with the panels in their substantially vertical stowed position, the pins engage one end of the grooves 45. As indicated in FIGURES 3 and 5, one side of each bunk panel is substantially flat and, in stowed position, is flush with the unrecessed portion of the hull sidewall and forms a continuation thereof. It is contemplated, however, that if the hull sidewall is contoured, the exposed bunk side can be correspondingly contoured because this side becomes the underside of the bunk as will appear from the description below. When in stowed position, suitable latch means (not shown) hold the lower portions of the bunk panels in position in their recesses.

To convert the boat into a cruiser with sleeping accommodations, the cushioned backrests 46, 47 for seats 32 and 35, respectively, are removed and the cushions for seats 32 are removed. The latter normally rest partially on the seats 35 and partially on ysupporting shelves 48 which can be folded down into a vertical space-saving position.

After removing the backrests 46 and 47, the bunk panels 42 are rotated about their pivot pins 44 through approximately 270 in the direction of the arrows 49 in FIGURE 5. This positions the panels in a substantially horizontal position as indicated by dash lines at 42a with the previously exposed side of the panel now being the underside thereof and resting on the upper edge of an inwardly olset portion 50 of the hull sidewall. After r0- tation of the panels into the position shown at 42a, they are pushed outwardly into the positions shown in FIG- URE 4, such movement being permitted by the grooves 45 in the panel ends and being terminated when the pivot pins engage the opposite ends of the grooves from those in which they were positioned lwhen the panels were in stowed position. After the panels have been pushed out over the sides of the boat as shown, they are releasably engaged by the ends of rod members 51 to prevent them from tipping in either direction about the longitudinal axis defined by their pivot pins. The opposite ends of the rods 51 are swingably connected to the boat hull so that they can be swung out of the way when not 1n use.

The upper side of each bunk panel 42 (the unexposed side in stowed position) is formed like a tray with a shallow upstanding flange 52 extending continuously around its periphery. On the outboard side of the panel the flange 52 is deeper than elsewhere and forms a part of the deck or gunwale of the boat when stowed. Thus, as indicated in FIGURES 1 and 5, the outside surface of ange 52' is iiush with and forms a continuation of the narrow deck -54 which extends along the sides of the main and forward cockpits at the upper edge of the hull.

When the bunk panels have been secured in the position shown in FIGURE 4, seat cushions are assembled on the panel to form a bunk mattress. Thus, as shown in FIGURE 1, the mattress may comprise the backrest cushions 46, 47 and 55 from seats 32, 35 and 36, and one additional cushion 56 that is stored in a locker when not in use.

After the bunk panels 42 have been set up as above described to provide two upper bunks, the other two bunks can be set up utilizing the seats 35 and 36. This is accomplished by spanning the space between each pair of these seats with the seat cushion 32 which is removed from its FIGURE 2 position along with backrest cushions 46 and 47. Thus a full lower bunk is provided as shown on the port side of the boat in FIGURE 1. As can be observed from FIGURE 4, the location of the upper bunks out over the sides of the boat in offset relation to the lower bunks enables the latter to be used without too much likelihood of the occupants bumping into the upper bunks.

A protective cover 58, FIGURES 3 and 4, can be erected over the main cockpit 11 and the set up bunks. This cover, which can be of waterproof canvas or heavy sheet plastic, is supported by bows and extension rods carried by the hull or by the bunk panels 42. FIGURE 6 illustrates a bow 59 which is swingably connected to the port bunk panel, the bow being adapted to be folded down and contained within the panel ange 52 when the panel is stowed in its recess 41. As shown in FIG- URE 4, both bunks are provided with these bows.

When the upper bunks are being set up, the bows 59 are swung up into vertical position after which a rod 60 that is pivotally connected at 61 to the vertical, rear leg 62 of each bow is swung from a position in the plane of the bow through an arc of 90. This positions the free end of the rod so that it can be releasably connected at 64 to a ski tow bar 65, FIGURES 4 and 2, the bar having an inverted U-shape and being releasably mounted at the rear of the main cockpit 11.

In addition to the rod 60, each of the bows 59 carries a rod 66 that is pivotally connected to the bow at 67. The rods 66 are adapted to be swung upwardly in the plane of the inclined, front legs 68 of the bows and have their free ends releasably connected at 70 to a rearwardly inclined bow 71, FIGURES 4 and 3. The rods 60 and 66 serve to maintain the bows V59 in vertical position as best shown in FIGURE 4. The ends of bow 71 are pivotally connected to the boat at 72, FIGURES 1 and 2, and when not in use the bow rests against the upper edge of the windshield 24, 25 as shown.

The forward portion of cover 58 is supported by bows 74, 75, FIGURE 3, and the ends of these bows on each side of the boat are pivotally connected to a common bracket 76. Bracket 76 is mounted on a slide (not shown) whereby it can be slid aft to enable the bows 74, 75 to rest against the upper edge of the windshield 24, 25 when not in use like the bow 71. The cover 58 can be provided with a releasable or integral back curtain (not shown) and, if desired, side curtains can be provided to extend between bow 71 and bow 75. When the cover is set up, access to the main cockpit may be had by vopening the center windshield panel 24 and passageway 28. The cover is high enough so that normal standing room is provided in the forward portion 31 of the main cockpit. The cover supporting bows can be made of tubular aluminum or steel, and the rods 60 and 66 can be tubular rather than solid if desired.

It should be understood that it is not intended that the boat be converted as above described when the boat is underway. This will only be done when the boat is tied to a dock or anchored. As best shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, a pair of storage areas or lockers 77 are provided on the rear side of the wall 14, the lockers having a passageway 78 therebetween in communication with the passageway 28. For cruising and/or camping use, the lockers can be fitted with a removable camper icebox, a sink, a camping stove (none of which is shown), or other equipment that may be desired by the user.

FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate a modified form of the invention wherein the bunk panels 42' that are made up into the upper bunks are stowed in recesses 80 formed in the interior of the hull sidewall, the bunks when stowed forming a partof the sidewall. As with the panels 42, panels 42 are formed with a peripheral ange 81 which flange is deeper along one side 81 than elsewhere and forms a part of the deck of the boat when stored. The panels 42 are slidably and pivotally connected to the hull in the same manner as panels 42, i.e., by means of interconnecting pivot pins and grooves (not shown) al the ends of the panels.

The bunk panels 42 are set up for use by pulling them upwardly until the lower panel edge has cleared the upper edge 82 of the inside wall of the recess 80, see FIGURE 7, after which they are rotated approximately 90 as indicated by the arrows 84. This positions the panels in a substantially horizontal position as shown in FIGURE 8, and they are releasably secured in this position by rod members 51' which are the same as the members 51 previously described. When in use, the upper bunks in both modifications of the invention can be provided with removable bars 85 to help prevent the bunk occupant from rolling out.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the invention provides a very practical and eicient construction for converting an open motorboat into a cruiser with comfortable sleeping accommodations. As will be apparent to those familiar with the art, the invention may be embodied in other specic forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. A boat comprising a hull having a gunwale and a recess formed in at least one of its sidewalls below said gunwale, a bunk panel normally stowed in a substantially vertical position in the recess, the panel forming a part of the hull when stored, the panel being movable upwardly into a substantially horizontal position adjacent the gunwale of the boat for use as a bunk, and means to releasably secure the panel in said horizontal position.

2. A boat as defined in claim 1 wherein one longitudinal edge of said bunk panel forms part of the gunwale of the boat when the panel is in stowed position.

3. A boat comprising a hull having elongated recesses in its sidewalls, a bunk panel normally stowed in a substantially vertical position in each recess, means connecting said panels at each end to the hull for both pivotal and sliding movement relative thereto, the panels being movable out of the recesses into a substantially horizontal position adjacent the upper edges of the hull, and coacting means on the hull and panels to releasably secure the latter in horizontal position for use as bunks.

4. A boat as dened in claim 3 wherein said recesses are formed on the outside of the sidewalls and the bunk panels in stowed position are substantially -tlush with the unrecessed portions of the sidewalls andv form a continuation thereof.

5. A boat as defined in claim 3 wherein the means connecting the hull and panel ends comprise a pivot pin carried by the hull adjacent each end of the recesses and a groove in each panel end into which a pivot pin projects.

6. A boat as defined in claim 3 together with means supported by the bunk panels for supporting a protective cover above the panels when the latter have been secured in horizontal position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 4/ 1954 Lacoste 296-23 6/1967 Lankford 9-1 U.S. C1. X.R. 296-23 

